Holland America Line Unveils Major Expansion of Exclusive Single Barrel Whiskey Program for 2025

The cruise line will feature nine exclusive offerings hand-picked from some of the country’s best distilleries

Seattle, Wash., March 27, 2025 — Holland America Line is announcing a significant expansion of its single barrel whiskey program, distinguishing itself from other cruise lines in the industry. The onboard program is evolving starting this spring from a single barrel of Buffalo Trace to an impressive collection of nine single barrels, sourced from both world-renowned and emerging distilleries across the country.

Holland America Line’s beverage program has paved the way for introducing exclusive and premium offerings on board. In 2024, the program featured a single barrel select bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States.

“Get ready for an exclusive whiskey experience crafted specifically for enthusiasts the next time you sail with us,” said Drew Foulk, senior manager, beverage and dining operations & innovation for Holland America Line. “With this collection of rare and unique spirits, we’re not only providing access to sought-after single barrel bourbons but also creating an experience that can’t easily be replicated anywhere else.”

Extraordinary Lineup of Single Barrel Whiskeys and Bourbons

Each whiskey and bourbon, featured in the Ocean Bar across the fleet, will have its own unique story and flavor profile. These offerings include:

Weller: Holland America Line secured two barrels of Weller bourbon in two distinct expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

o   Weller Full Proof: This bourbon features strong vanilla and oak notes, with a rich mouthfeel and a balanced finish.

o   Weller Antique 107: This bourbon has notes of dark cherry and vanilla with bold heat up front and a smooth, rich finish. It's perfect for both bourbon connoisseurs and casual drinkers, offering a bold yet elegant palate experience.

Angel's Envy: This year, Holland America Line selected three unique barrels from Angel's Envy in Louisville, Kentucky. These single barrel flagship bourbons, aged 5 to 6 years, are known for their port cask finishes after initial maturation in new American oak.

o   Barrel #1: Port barrel-finished, with notes of anise, nutmeg and brown sugar, exceptionally well-balanced.

o   Barrel #2: Madeira barrel-finished, with notes of ginger, leather and caramel, ending with a smooth lasting finish.

o   Barrel #3: Port barrel-finished, with notes of butterscotch, malt, hickory and maple.

Uncle Nearest 1884 Single Barrel: Holland America Line is proud to feature a single barrel from Uncle Nearest, a rising whiskey brand from Shelbyville, Tennessee. This barrel offers a balanced heat, with toffee and caramel notes on the finish, complemented by warming spices and notes of sarsaparilla.

Woodford Reserve: The collection will include a single barrel flagship bourbon from Woodford Reserve in Versailles, Kentucky. This single barrel has a bolder flavor than the flagship, with notes of stone fruit, biscuit, toffee, caramel, and a slight peppery spice on the finish.

WhistlePig 15-Year Rye: Bottled at 100 proof, this 15-year-old whiskey features rich, earthy notes with subtle floral undertones. This is a blend of straight and malted rye, offering a complex yet delicate finish.

Westland American Single Malt: Holland America Line is strengthening its relationship with Westland Distillery in Seattle. With American single malt recently recognized as an official whiskey category, the distillery will celebrate with a port-finished American single malt whiskey. This whiskey offers notes of toffee, stone fruit, toasted marshmallow, and finishes with smoke and peat.

Additionally, Holland America Line will feature a peated single barrel from Westland for its “PNW Penicillin” cocktail created by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross. In 2024, Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that are featured in the bars on all Alaska ships. He was the 2011 “U.S. Bartender of the Year,” and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for “Best Bar in the U.S.” by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.

Guests can expect to see these single-barrel whiskeys on ships starting this spring, and they will be fully available across the fleet by May 2025, while supplies last.